Local government officials, residents and environmental groups have recently submitted documents opposing Sunoco Logistics quest for a status which would allow them to bypass local regulations for its controversial Mariner East project.

Sunoco is currently in the process of seeking public utility status from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for its pumping stations and valve controls in 31 municipalities across the state for its Mariner East Pipeline.

The project looks to repurpose an 83-year-old pipeline previously used to transport petroleum products to deliver Marcellus Shale natural gas liquids, mainly ethane and propane, to the Marcus Hook refinery for export and some local use.

If Sunoco is granted that status, it will be exempt from local regulations and zoning ordinances.

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Sunoco amended its petition last month, adding that it will deliver a portion of its propane to local customers at its Twin Oaks facility in Delaware County. The company argues that it is already a public utility corporation and should be granted the same rights for its above-ground facilities, while opponents say that the company should deal with local government ordinances for its facilities.

Last week, West Whiteland Township’s Board of Supervisors voted to support the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) letter to the PUC, which asks the commission to reject Sunoco’s request for public utility status. The board voted Wednesday to support PSATS letter of interest in the project.

The April 21 letter from PSATS discusses the project and notes that while the group “is not opposed to SPLP’s Mariner East Pipeline project” that it is “opposed to SPLP’s effort to classify its new pipeline venture as a public utility corporation and thereby circumvent normal municipal review of its plans.”

“The local impact of pipeline construction is still fresh on the minds of many of our residents after the Transco Williams project a few years back,” said Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Steven Soles. “West Whiteland’s first-hand experience with pipeline construction projects within its borders gives us unique experience in the County. We understand the importance of having a say on the local impact these projects ultimately have on our neighborhoods and our environment.”

Soles noted that the township also wanted to take a stance on the project because of its impact to West Whiteland. The pipeline’s right of way crosses into township lines.

“Considering the current and future impact of pipelines in West Whiteland, the board felt it is was important to support PSATS and all municipalities across Chester County and the Commonwealth in retaining a say in local zoning matters on these projects,” he said.

West Whiteland resident Matthew Morley said he sent a letter to the township’s board prior to Wednesday’s meeting asking them to consider supporting PSATS letter. Morley said that he wanted to show support for the township’s West Goshen neighbors, and was concerned about any future Sunoco pipelines in West Whiteland.

“I personally do not know whether I oppose Sunoco’s plans for our region,” said Morley’s letter. “However, it is readily apparent that Sunoco is not behaving in a manner that is respectful of local government’s zoning authority or due process rights under the Municipalities Planning Code.

“Is there any reason to believe that when Sunoco’s next project runs through West Whiteland Township that they will respect our right to local governance any more than they are currently respecting West Goshen?” he asked.

Meanwhile, West Goshen residents are continuing their fight against the pipeline and its proposed pumping station in the township, to be located at the corner of Boot Road and Route 202.

The Chester County Community Coalition said that it will be hosting a community meeting on June 26 to update residents on the fight against the pipeline and pumping station. Director of the Coalition, Tom Casey, said that the group will hold the meeting at the West Goshen Township Building at 7 p.m. and will invite state and local officials.

“We all need to stay informed and spread the word that the rights of every citizen in the state are in jeopardy by allowing Sunoco Logistics, LP the ability to gain public utility corporation status,” Casey said.

The Concerned Citizens of West Goshen Township, a group of residents that are party to Sunoco’s hearing, filed a protest with the PUC, noting its concern for both the safety of residents and livability of the area after the pump station would be installed.

Both West Goshen and East Goshen townships have also asked to intervene on Sunoco’s petition, noting the direct impact on residents and the townships.

The Chester County Commissioners sent a letter to the PUC on June 6, asking them to ensure that Sunoco comply with local zoning ordinances. The letter from the commissioners said that any status that would exempt Sunoco from following the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code and local zoning would allow a pipeline company to “do as it pleases within any particular municipality without municipal or public review.”

“This would lead to the usurpation of municipal governance and be detrimental to the welfare of the general public,” the letter reads.

While many residents have been protesting the project, it has also previously received letters of support for the project from local groups such as Keen Compressed Gas, Steamfitters Local 420, CEO Council for Growth, and the borough of Marcus Hook, citing job creation and a need to transport natural gas liquids from the western part of the state to the east.

Mechanical and Service Contractors of Greater Delaware Valley, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 654, and state Rep. Stephen Barrar, R-160th of Upper Chichester, have also written letters in support.

Although there has been some opposition, there has also been strong support for the project shown by business, labor and community leaders,” said Jeffrey Shields, spokesman for Sunoco. “Sunoco Logistics will respect the Public Utility Commission process and answer and address relevant points about the Mariner East pipeline through our filings with the PUC.”

Follow Daily Local News staff writer Kendal Gapinski on Twitter at @KendalGapinski and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KendalAGapinski.